EcoWaste Coalition Warns Against BMHCA in Perfumes Ahead of Valentine's Day

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As Valentine's Day approaches, many individuals consider gifting perfumes to their loved ones. However, recent findings by the EcoWaste Coalition highlight a pressing concern: numerous perfume products in the Philippine market contain butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), a synthetic fragrance ingredient now banned due to its potential health risks.

Understanding Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA)

BMHCA, also known as lilial, is a fragrance compound previously popular in various cosmetics and personal care products. In 2020, the European Commission classified lilial as a "reprotoxic" substance, indicating its potential to adversely affect fertility and fetal development. Consequently, the European Union prohibited its use in cosmetics starting March 1, 2022. 

Following suit, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes the Philippines, implemented a ban on BMHCA in cosmetic products effective November 21, 2024, as outlined in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular No. 2023-007. 

EcoWaste Coalition's Findings

In a recent market investigation, the EcoWaste Coalition purchased 51 perfume products from various retailers in Makati, Manila, Pasay, and Quezon City. These products, priced between ₱50 to ₱300, listed BMHCA as an ingredient. The authenticity of many of these items remains questionable due to inadequate labeling. 

Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition, expressed concern: "Our investigation shows that cosmetics containing BMHCA can still be found on store shelves and sold to consumers who are unaware of the health risks of being exposed to such an ingredient that can damage the reproductive process and harm the health of the baby in the womb."

Health Implications of BMHCA

BMHCA is classified as a reprotoxic chemical, meaning it can impair reproductive health and harm fetal development. Additionally, it possesses endocrine-disrupting properties and can cause skin sensitization, leading to allergic reactions. 

Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health emphasized the risks: "Health product regulators in the European Union and the ASEAN banned BMHCA in cosmetics to protect consumers from this synthetic compound that can harm the reproductive system, interfere with hormonal functions, and trigger allergic reactions."

Consumer Guidance

To ensure safety, consumers are advised to:

Verify Product Authorization: Purchase cosmetics that have FDA authorization.

Read Labels Diligently: Avoid products listing butylphenyl methylpropional, lilial, or similar compounds.

Be Cautious with Unlabeled Products: Exercise caution with products that lack comprehensive ingredient information.

The EcoWaste Coalition also highlighted other fragrance chemicals of concern identified by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, including acetaldehyde, benzophenone, and formaldehyde, among others. These substances are associated with various health issues, such as cancer, birth abnormalities, and endocrine disruption.

Regulatory Actions and Industry Response

In response to the ban, regulatory bodies have been monitoring the market for compliance. However, the presence of BMHCA-containing products indicates a need for stricter enforcement and increased consumer awareness.

Some industry representatives have asserted that products containing BMHCA are safe when used as intended. However, given the regulatory bans and associated health risks, consumers are urged to exercise caution. 

As Valentine's Day nears, it's essential to prioritize the health and well-being of loved ones. While perfumes are a popular gift choice, ensuring they are free from harmful ingredients like BMHCA is crucial. By staying informed and vigilant, consumers can make safer choices and advocate for a market free from hazardous substances.

List of 51 Perfumes, Possibly Imitation Products, Listing Banned Butylphenyl Methylpropional as an Ingredient:

212 Sexy Men Eau de Toilette; Aimore Black2 Men Eau de Toilette; Aimore Only Love pour Femme Eau de Perfume ; Allure Homme Sport Chanel Eau de Parfum ; Bulgari Omnia Amethyste Eau de Toilette; Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land Eau de Parfum; Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land Eau de Parfum (small); Chloe Eau de Parfum; ckIN2U Eau de Toilette; Classy Appeal Amber Romance Midnight Refreshing Body Mist; Classy Appeal Love Bloom Refreshing Body Mist; Classy Appeal Love Spell Midnight Refreshing Body Mist; Classy Appeal Pure Seduction Midnight Refreshing Body Mist; Classy Appeal Soul of No. 5 Refreshing Body Mist; Classy Appeal Vanilla Lace Midnight Fragrance Mist; Clinique Happy for Men Cologne Spray; Daisy Marc Jacobs Eau so Fresh Eau de Toilette Spray; Davidoff Cool Water; Deep in Blue Intense pour Homme Eau de Parfum; Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum; Escada Sentiment; Eternity Eau de Toilette Spray; Eternity Eau de Toilette Spray (gray box; small); Eternity Eau de Toilette Spray (brown box; small); Hidden Fantasy Britney Spears Eau de Parfum Spray; I Angel Lady Happy Women’s Perfume; I Angel Scarves Women’s Perfume; Incanto Shine Eau de Toilette ; Incanto Sky Eau de Parfum ; Lacoste Black; Lacoste Dream of Pink Eau de Toilette; Lacoste Essential Eau de Toilette pour Homme; Lacoste Red; Lacoste White; Magic in the Air Fine Fragrance Mist; Meow by Katy Perry Eau de Parfum; Ounuo Sesenta y Ocho Eau de Parfum Natural Spray; Ounuo Setenta y Dos Eau de Parfum Natural Spray; Ounuo Setenta y Tres Eau de Parfum Natural Spray; Ounuo Setenta y Cinco Eau de Parfum Natural Spray; Ounuo Setenta y Siete Eau de Parfum Natural Spray; Ounuo Setenta y Ocho Eau de Parfum Natural Spray; Versace Bright Crystal; Versace Eros Natural Spray ; Versace pour Homme; Victoria’s Secret Bare Vanilla La Crème Fragrance Mist; Victoria’s Secret Bombshell First Love Fine Fragrance Mist; Victoria’s Secret Love Addict Fragrance Mist; Victoria’s Secret Fruit Crush Fragrance Lotion; Victoria’s Secret Rush Fragrance Mist; and Victoria’s Secret XO, Victoria Eau de Parfum

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